As a kid growing up in Niverville, I so well remember the times when Jack Stott came to the school on Remembrance Day to talk about his experiences as a soldier.
Some time back, I had the opportunity to meet with the former Premier of Manitoba and former Governor General of Canada, the Honourable Ed Schreyer. He said, “There is no war that is good.” But he followed that up by stating that World War II was probably the most unavoidable war of the 20th century.
It was this war that Jack Stott and others from the Niverville area experienced. As a kid, I was aware that there were a limited number of people in our community who could personally speak of having experienced the devastation of war.
Having lived in Niverville all my life, I was aware of a certain unspoken stigma attached to the mostly non-Mennonite people who had fought in wars. And there seemed to be certain injustice and lack of honour and respect shown to those who had risked their lives for the betterment of our community and country.
The personal sacrifices made by Jack Stott and others paved a way for a world free of hatred.
I will never forget that Sunday afternoon in August 2007 when over 1000 people filled Main Street as we in Niverville honoured our pioneers and veterans for the first time. I have always believed that something changed in our community that day. The memorial at the cemetery is to serve as a reminder to future generations of the contributions of both the pioneers and veterans who were so much a part of our communities past and present.
I will never forget that first Remembrance Day service when over 400 people gathered at the Niverville Elementary School and then marched to the memorial at the cemetery. The numbers were astounding as the community, for the first time, publicly responded to acknowledge the courage and commitment of Jack Stott and others.
I will never forget the tears in Jack’s eyes as I shook his hand that day and thanked him for his courage and commitment. That first Remembrance Day service saw hundreds walk by and shake the hands of Jack and other veterans, thanking them.
I will never forget the Remembrance Day service when I interviewed Jack about the war. Many tears were shed that day as he bared his heart in front of family, friends, and the community.
As I reflect on my years as the mayor of Niverville, there are no better memories than the ones I just shared. To honour and respect, to care and to share: that is what makes a community.
Jack was much more than a soldier. He was a loving husband to Margaret and a father to nine children. The impact of the Stott family through business investments, agriculture, and community resonates throughout our town to this day.
We are in the season of remembering and honouring, and I for one will never forget the impact of Jack Stott and his forever place of respect in our community.
